February 1, 2026

Sacramento Kings forward/center Domantas Sabonis (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Washington Wizards. He was added late to the injury report with lower back soreness, and the team has downgraded his status from questionable to out. For knee injury management, Sabonis also missed Friday's game against the Boston Celtics. As a result, Maxime Raynaud moved to the first unit, posting a 14-point, 14-rebound double-double. It could be a big night again for the French rookie on Sunday, as centers have dominated against Washington all season.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

February 1, 2026

Washington Wizards forward/center Alexandre Sarr (calf) will miss Sunday's contest against the Sacramento Kings. The team has downgraded Sarr from questionable to out, resulting in his first absence of 2026. Marvin Bagley III (back) will return from a five-game absence and could be heavily involved against his former team. The Duke product has done a decent job this season, averaging 10.0 points and 5.7 rebounds in 19.3 minutes per game.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

February 1, 2026

Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (personal) won't play on Sunday versus Detroit. He had a game-high 38 points on Friday night against the Denver Nuggets, his former club. However, Porter will now miss his second-straight contest after sitting out Saturday's win over the Utah Jazz. With Noah Clowney (back) also out, Egor Demin, Danny Wolf, and Cam Thomas are the favorites to lead the way offensively in a meeting with a tough defensive squad.--Dennis Clausen
Source: NBA Injury Report

February 1, 2026

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard's RB15 finish in 2024 made him a popular early-to-mid-round pick in 2025, but after missing time and ceding primary early down work to a more efficient Rico Dowdle upon his return, he finished as the RB40. Dowdle, who was on a one-year deal, has been vocal about wanting to be featured as a lead back, but whether he returns to Carolina or not, it's unlikely that Hubbard will again see the type of volume that made him a fantasy league-winner in 2024. Hubbard's usage in the passing game has ranked among the least efficient in the league over his five-year career, and his near-300 touches in 2024 came largely as a result of the unexpected absence of second-round pick Jonathon Brooks, who could be back to fight for a starting role in 2026. Regardless of who Hubbard finds himself sharing a backfield with next season, the 27-year-old has likely seen the last of his bell-cow duties.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

February 1, 2026

The San Francisco 49ers are working to make former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris their next defensive coordinator. Morris is expected to replace former coordinator Robert Saleh, who was hired as the Titans' head coach shortly after the 49ers' season-ending loss to the Seahawks in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. The Seahawks were able to score over 30 offensive points in that game after Saleh had managed to pull the best out of an injury-depleted unit for most of the season. Morris' defenses have finished near the middle of the pack statistically in each of his two seasons in Atlanta, but he made a concerted effort to dial up the pressure in 2025. The Falcons' 33.4% blitz rate trailed only the Vikings, while only the Broncos registered more than Atlanta's 57 quarterback sacks. Assuming returns to health from All-Pros Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, the 49ers' defense could improve drastically in 2026.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Adam Schefter

February 1, 2026

The Las Vegas Raiders intend to make Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak their next head coach. Las Vegas can't officially hire the 38-year-old Kubiak until after Super Bowl LX, but reports indicate that he intends to work out a deal after interviewing with the Raiders this week. The Seahawks' 28.4 points per game in 2025 were the third most in the league, and Kubiak's creative use of All-Pro wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba helped to make him an Offensive Player of the Year nominee while leading the league in receiving yards. While the personnel cupboard in Las Vegas is drastically more bare than the Seahawks roster that Kubiak takes into the Super Bowl, the Raiders hold the first overall pick in the NFL draft and are expected to pair Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza with their new offensive-minded head coach.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Bobby Kownack

February 1, 2026

The Arizona Cardinals are working to finalize a five-year deal to make Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur their next head coach. LaFleur has spent the past three seasons as the offensive coordinator in Los Angeles after two years in the same position with the New York Jets. The Rams led the NFL in both offensive yards and scoring in 2025, and LaFleur's presence in Arizona will unquestionably boost the fantasy stock of most Cardinals offensive weapons, assuming he's able to find a suitable answer at the quarterback position. With earlier reports that the Las Vegas Raiders are close to naming Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as their next head coach, all 10 head coaching vacancies have now been filled before the 2026 season.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Adam Schefter

February 1, 2026

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Trail Blazers traded center Duop Reath (foot) to the Hawks in exchange for guard Vit Krejci. The 29-year-old hasn't had a quality season, averaging a career-low 2.9 points and 1.2 rebounds in 32 appearances. He also suffered a stress fracture in his right foot and recently underwent successful season-ending surgery. Reath, who is anticipated to make a full recovery, will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, so it's unknown what the future holds. However, until he establishes a consistent role with a club, he's not worth adding to any fantasy roster.--Dennis Clausen
Source: Shams Charania

February 1, 2026

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Atlanta Hawks traded guard Vit Krejci to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for center Duop Reath and two future second-round draft picks. Krejci began his career playing with the Oklahoma City Thunder before spending the last four seasons in Atlanta, most recently amassing a career-high 9.0 points while shooting 42.3% from deep throughout the 2025 campaign. However, he hasn't been productive enough to warrant routine starting consideration in any fantasy format. Although Krejci might get more opportunities to produce in Portland, he'll need to do more moving ahead to convince fantasy managers he's worth adding to the roster.--Dennis Clausen
Source: Shams Charania

February 1, 2026

After two seasons as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, veteran starting pitcher Sonny Gray was acquired by the Boston Red Sox in late November. With Boston, the 36-year-old looks locked in as the team's number three starter behind ace Garrett Crochet and fellow offseason acquisition Ranger Suarez. Across 180 2/3 innings (32 starts) with St. Louis in 2025, Gray posted a 14-8 record with a 4.28 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 201 strikeouts. While Gray's ERA represented his worst mark since 2018, he still recorded strong numbers under the hood with a 21.6% K-BB rate. Gray's 5% walk rate was the best mark of his career, so he could be in for a better overall line if his opponent batting average on balls in play of .329 regresses closer to his career mark of .288. Gray should also be in a good position to rack up wins while pitching in front of a strong Boston lineup. As long as he stays healthy, Gray profiles as a solid fantasy SP3 for 2026.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

February 1, 2026

After breaking out as a solid regular in 2024, Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch took his game to another level in 2025. Across 592 plate appearances, the 28-year-old posted a .261/.343/.523 slash line with 34 home runs, 90 RBI, 78 runs scored, and four stolen bases. Busch slashed his strikeout rate from 28.6% in 2024 to 23.5% in 2025 while boosting his barrel rate from 11.2% to 17.1%. If there's one negative in the lefty-swinging Busch's profile, it's his lopsided platoon splits. Across 95 plate appearances against left-handed pitching in 2025, Busch hit .207/.274/.368 with a 27.4% strikeout rate. Chicago signed right-handed hitting first baseman Tyler Austin over the offseason, so Busch appears likely to lose playing time against lefties for a second straight season. Still, Busch was able to rack up counting stats in the potent Cubs lineup even while being platooned in 2025. He's a legit power bat whose current average draft position of pick 112 could be a value selection for fantasy managers in 2026.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

February 1, 2026

The Boston Red Sox are acquiring right-handed pitching prospect Gage Ziehl from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for right-handed pitchers Jordan Hicks and David Sandlin, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Cotillo reports that Boston's main motivation in the deal is getting off a portion of the money still owed to Hicks, who will make $25 million over the next two seasons. The Red Sox acquired Hicks from the San Francisco Giants as part of the return for infielder Rafael Devers in last year's midseason blockbuster. However, Hicks struggled to an 8.20 ERA across 21 appearances for Boston last season and also missed time with a shoulder injury. Ziehl is a 22-year-old right-hander who was initially selected by the New York Yankees in the fourth round of the 2024 MLB Draft. He reached Double-A with New York in 2025, but spent all of his time in the White Sox system at High-A Winston-Salem after Chicago acquired him from the Yankees last July. Ziehl appears unlikely to factor for Boston in 2026.--Will Brady
Source: MassLive - Chris Cotillo

February 1, 2026

The Chicago White Sox are set to acquire right-handed pitcher Jordan Hicks and right-handed pitching prospect David Sandlin from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Gage Ziehl, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Cotillo characterizes the trade as a "salary move" for Boston, as the White Sox are reportedly absorbing the majority of the money still owed to Hicks. Boston acquired Hicks from the San Francisco Giants as part of the return for infielder Rafael Devers in the middle of the 2025 season. Hicks has worked as both a starter and a reliever in his career to this point, so he gives Chicago some innings-eating versatility. However, the 29-year-old struggled across 67 1/3 innings split between Boston and San Francisco in 2025, posting a 6.95 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, and 58 strikeouts. Sandlin is a 24-year-old pitching prospect who split the 2025 season between Boston's Double-A and Triple-A affiliates. Across 106 innings pitched (32 games) in the Minors last year, he posted a 9-6 record with a 4.50 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, and 107 strikeouts. Sandlin has experience as both a starter and a reliever in his pro career, so he profiles as a versatile depth piece for Chicago.--Will Brady
Source: MassLive - Chris Cotillo

February 1, 2026

Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitcher Chase Burns got his first taste of the big leagues in 2025, posting an 0-3 record with a 4.57 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 67 strikeouts across 43 1/3 innings pitched (13 games, eight starts). Burns worked as a starter for his first eight appearances with Cincinnati before suffering an elbow injury that caused him to miss just over a month. Upon his return in early September, Burns worked out of the bullpen and aided Cincinnati's late-season playoff push. Entering 2026, the 23-year-old appears ticketed for a spot in the starting rotation. While his surface-level numbers as a rookie don't jump off the page, Burns's elite 35.6% strikeout rate is indicative of his significant upside. Opponents also hit .360 against Burns, which is a number that could easily regress in 2026. Given his age and considerable strikeout upside, Burns profiles as a borderline fantasy SP2 heading into his second MLB season.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

February 1, 2026

The Philadelphia Eagles had a scare recently when defensive coordinator Vic Fangio informed the team that he was retiring from coaching, multiple sources told Jimmy Kempski of Philly Voice. Fangio was then convinced by the team's brass to stay for at least one more season in 2026. For now, Fangio is still the team's DC, but that could change. When the Eagles were unsure if Fangio would return, they reached out to former DC Jonathan Gannon to gauge his interest in a return. Gannon eventually landed the DC job with the Green Bay Packers. The Eagles were also planning on checking on the availability of disgruntled Cleveland Browns DC Jim Schwartz, who was also a former DC for the Eagles. Fangio reportedly also retired after Philly won the Super Bowl last year. The 67-year-old helped lead an Eagles defense in 2025 that ranked fifth in points allowed and 13th in total yards allowed.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Philly Voice - Jimmy Kempski

February 1, 2026

Former Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan and former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury are involved in the New York Giants' search for a new offensive coordinator, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Callahan was a candidate for several other OC openings around the league before they were filled, and he's also a candidate to return to the Cincinnati Bengals if current OC Dan Pitcher leaves. New Giants head coach John Harbaugh wanted to bring Todd Monken along with him after leaving Baltimore, but Monken took the Cleveland Browns' head-coaching job. Callahan was Cincy's OC from 2019 to 2023 before becoming the Titans' head coach. Kingsbury was the Commanders' OC last year and previously was the head coach for the Arizona Cardinals. The Giants' OC opening is a highly coveted position, given the young and talented core of offensive players in New York, starting with first-round quarterback Jaxson Dart.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler

February 1, 2026

Florida State offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn is retiring, according to On3Sports. The 60-year-old has been coaching at the collegiate level since 2006 after a decade-long run at the high school level and has had great success as an offensive coordinator and head coach. Malzahn was famously Auburn's offensive coordinator from 2009 to 2011 and helped lead the Tigers to a 2010 National Championship with quarterback Cam Newton. Across 13 seasons as a head coach with Arkansas State, Aubrun, and UCF, he compiled a 105-62 record and finished as the National Champion runner up in 2013. As Florida State's play-caller in 2025, he led the Seminoles to the No. 1 total offensive in the ACC (472.1 PPG).--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: On3.com

February 1, 2026

Former Miami Dolphins quarterbacks coach and passing-game coordinator Darrell Bevell is scheduled for an in-person interview with the New York Jets on Monday for their offensive-coordinator position, a league source told NFL insider Josina Anderson. Bevell worked for the Dolphins from 2022 to 2025. The Jets have narrowed their search for a new OC down to three names, with Bevell and former Los Angeles Chargers OC Greg Roman being two of them. Like Roman, Bevell has plenty of play-calling experience in the NFL, most recently as the offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021. He also worked with the Seattle Seahawks from 2011 to 2017. The 56-year-old began his coaching career as an assistant QBs coach in 2000 with the Green Bay Packers and got his first OC job in 2006 with the Vikings. Former Panthers and Colts head coach Frank Reich has been linked to the Jets' OC opening as well.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Josina Anderson

February 1, 2026

Former Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman will be part of the New York Jets' in-person interviews for their offensive-coordinator job early next week, sources told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The Jets interviewed five candidates virtually and are whittling their list down to three finalists, with Roman being one of them. Former Miami Dolphins quarterbacks coach and passing-game coordinator Darrell Bevell is another finalist. Roman only lasted one year as the Chargers' OC under head coach Jim Harbaugh, with the Bolts' offense ranking 20th in scoring and 12th in total yards. The Jets are a mess right now and have a lot of question marks on the offensive side of the ball, most notably at the all-important quarterback position. Roman wouldn't be an inspiring choice for second-year head coach Aaron Glenn, but he certainly has plenty of experience running offenses in the NFL.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler

February 1, 2026

The Miami Dolphins offense faces plenty of question marks this offseason, but running back De'Von Achane offers refreshing consistency. Achane is under contract for the 2026 season and has been playing the best football of his young career. He finished last season with a career-high 1,350 rushing yards, and he also caught 67 passes for 488 receiving yards. For the second year in a row, he scored 12 touchdowns and was the overall RB5 in full-PPR leagues. This past year, he accomplished those marks despite missing one game. Miami did make a concerted effort to get Ollie Gordon II and Jaylen Wright more involved, but that decision didn't really detract from Achane's role. If anything, it kept his legs fresh and allowed him to remain as dominant as ever. The Dolphins did make a coaching staff change this offseason, replacing offensive-minded head coach Mike McDaniel with the defensive-minded Jeff Hafley. Achane also got a new offensive coordinator in Bobby Slowik, who was with the Dolphins as a senior passing game coordinator in 2025. Miami has some key questions to answer surrounding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill this offseason. As a result, the passing game faces major uncertainty. However, we expect the running game to remain unchanged, leaving Achane in line for another fantastic season in 2026. He should be a top-five running back in fantasy football drafts next summer.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 1, 2026

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara is trending downward ahead of the 2026 NFL season. While Kamara is under contract for one more year with the Saints, he's losing his grasp on the New Orleans backfield due to his age, injury issues, and the emergence of younger teammates. Kamara was the overall RB46 in full-PPR leagues during the 2025 season, which was the first time he ever finished lower than RB16. While part of his slip can be attributed to Kamara missing six games, he also showcased reduced volume and effectiveness. He averaged fewer than 15 touches per game, he finished with a career-low 3.6 yards per carry, and he only scored one touchdown all year. He is now 30 years old and suffered a knee sprain in Week 12, so age and injuries may be catching up to him. He also faces more competition than ever, as Devin Neal (hamstring) and Kendre Miller (knee) both flashed the ability to occupy lead-back roles before landing on season-ending injured reserve. Trade rumors have circled around Kamara for several years, but he has indicated that he wants to remain a Saint for life. Now, it's a question of whether New Orleans wants to keep him on the books for 2026. This team is looking to get younger, and cutting Kamara post-June 1 would create $8.5 million in cap space.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 1, 2026

Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com expects the New York Giants to re-sign impending free agent wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson. "A return seems likely considering he has always been a favorite of [general manager] Joe Schoen and the Giants need to add playmakers, not let the ones they drafted and developed walk," writes Ranaan. Robinson had the best season of his young career in 2025, catching 92 passes for a career-high 1,014 yards and four touchdowns. He was the overall WR14 in full-PPR leagues, and while part of his ascension can be attributed to the absence of Malik Nabers (knee), it was also the result of a constant upward trend that Robinson has exhibited ever since being drafted. He has continuously taken on a larger role on offense, showcasing excellence when lining up inside or outside. With Nabers, Jaxson Dart, and Cam Skattebo (ankle) all on their rookie deals, New York can afford to hand out a larger contract to Robinson. A quartet of Nabers, Robinson, Dart, and Skattebo provides plenty of weapons to head coach John Harbaugh during his first season in New York.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jordan Raanan

February 1, 2026

There is a "strong belief" that the Dallas Cowboys will utilize the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens, according to Todd Archer of ESPN.com. Pickens had an excellent first season in Dallas, catching 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. All three of those marks were career-highs, as was his finish as the overall WR5 in full-PPR leagues. Pickens surpassed teammate CeeDee Lamb in all of those categories, too, but it's worth noting that the former played three additional games. Nevertheless, Pickens showed that he is absolutely capable of being a superstar No. 1 wide receiver in any NFL offense. As a result, he would fetch an enormous contract in free agency if he makes it that far. Archer speculates that Pickens could make more than Lamb ($34 million per year) in free agency, so the Cowboys will likely use the franchise tag to bring him back on a one-year, $28 million deal. While $62 million is a lot of money tied up to two receivers, a combination of Lamb and Pickens helps give Dallas one of the best offenses in the NFL, especially with quarterback Dak Prescott playing at a high level. Of course, the franchise tag is just a temporary fix, as it would push Pickens' free agency one year down the road. According to Archer, the last time that Dallas signed a franchise-tagged player to a long-term deal before the July extension deadline was 2015 (Dez Bryant).--Andersen Pickard
Source: Todd Archer

February 1, 2026

The Jacksonville Jaguars are not expected to bring back free agent linebacker Devin Lloyd, according to Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com. Lloyd is headed to the open market for the first time in his career after Jacksonville declined his fifth-year option. DiRocco writes that the Jaguars aren't expected to pay Lloyd the money he'll fetch in free agency, nor do they want to pay him the $27.5 million attached to the franchise tag. As a result, he'll likely play elsewhere in 2026 and beyond. If his time in Jacksonville is indeed over, he finishes his four-year stint with 429 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, five fumble recoveries, and nine interceptions. He tallied 1.5 sacks and a career-high five interceptions through 15 games in the 2025 regular season.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Michael DiRocco

February 1, 2026

According to Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com, "it seems more likely" that Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell will sign with a new team during free agency. He had an impressive one-year stint in Pittsburgh, totaling 537 rushing yards, 73 catches, 486 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. He finished as the overall RB16 in full-PPR leagues, which was the best mark of his career. Gainwell's strong campaign in Pittsburgh raised his anticipated market value this offseason. While the Steelers would presumably be open to bringing him back, he's expected to fetch a decent-sized contract in free agency. "The Steelers haven't typically given big contracts to running backs," Pryor writes. She also notes that the vision for the backfield could look different with head coach Mike McCarthy replacing ex-offensive coordinator Arthur Smith as the team's play-caller. All signs point to Gainwell playing somewhere else in 2026.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Brooke Pryor

February 1, 2026

The New York Jets "would like to work out a long-term deal" with running back Breece Hall, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com. New York had an opportunity to move Hall at last season's trade deadline, but they ultimately kept him in hopes of extending him long-term. He finished his fourth NFL campaign with a career-high 1,065 rushing yards, but he scored just five touchdowns. Meanwhile, he finished the year with 350 receiving yards, the lowest mark since his rookie campaign. Still, Hall reportedly won over head coach Aaron Glenn, who wants the 24-year-old to remain the focal point of New York's run-heavy offense going forward. The former Iowa State standout could stir up a bidding war on the open market, though. As a result, Cimini writes that the Jets "could utilize the franchise or transition tag on him." The franchise has until 4 p.m. on March 4 to tag him. The NFL's legal tampering period for free agents begins at 12 p.m. on March 9.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Rich Cimini

February 1, 2026

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo had the best season of his young career in 2025, enjoying a .290/.389/.462 slash line with 20 home runs, 27 stolen bases, more walks than strikeouts, and a 138 wRC+. He ascended into an everyday role, playing 161 games while posting positive fWAR on both sides of the ball. Perdomo's 20 homers represent a solid power output for a 200-pound shortstop. Meanwhile, his 27 steals and 13.1% walk rate are very exciting for both the Diamondbacks and the 26-year-old's fantasy managers. However, the ZiPS and Steamer projections have Perdomo due for a little regression next season. Both projection systems expect him to record around a dozen homers and around 20 stolen bases in 2026. As it stands, he ranks as the #10 shortstop in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 1, 2026

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. finished with 23 homers last season, knocking him out of the 30-30 club for the first time since his rookie campaign in 2022. The 30-30 club comprises players who hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases. Witt was a member of the prestigious group in 2023 and 2024, totaling 62 homers and 80 steals across those two years. He had enough steals (38) to qualify last season, too, but his power output fell short. Still, he slashed an impressive .295/.351/.501 with 130 wRC+. He kept his walk rate at a solid 7.1%, but his strikeout rate soared to 18.2%, the worst mark since his rookie season. Hitting fewer homers and striking out more is not an ideal combination, so managers will hope that Witt can fix one or both issues in 2026. As it stands, he ranks as the #1 shortstop in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 1, 2026

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remains one of the best hitters in baseball, but his power output declined in 2025. Now, fantasy managers are hoping that he can boost his power numbers higher in 2026. Guerrero finished last season with a .292/.381/.467 slash line, a .384 xwOBA, and 137 wRC+. He walked 11.9% of the time, setting his highest rate since 2021. However, he also launched just 23 homers, his lowest mark since the shortened 2020 season. Meanwhile, his 3.38% home run rate was his lowest mark since he was a rookie in 2019. As Mitch Bannon of The Athletic documented last July, Guerrero is looking to find his "A-Swing," an ideal swing and launch angle that punishes pitches the best. If he can find that swing, he has the potential to return to his 2021 form, when he hit 48 homers over 161 games. For now, Guerrero ranks as the #2 first baseman in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings, trailing only Nick Kurtz at the position.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 1, 2026

Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher River Ryan (elbow) said that he has gained 30 pounds as part of his rehab from Tommy John surgery, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Ryan has been sidelined since 2024, when he made 12 starts between the majors and minors. We don't have official confirmation that he'll be ready for Opening Day in 2026, but the team previously said that he'll go through a normal build-up process during spring training. Barring any setbacks during that process, he should be ready to handle a full workload by the season opener. During his first and only taste of big-league action in 2024, Ryan allowed just three earned runs over 20.1 innings (four starts), pitching to a 3.36 FIP with 7.97 K/9, 3.98 BB/9, and a 50% ground ball rate. There's not really a spot for him in the Dodgers' projected six-man rotation, but he should be the first player called upon when a current starter suffers an injury.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Fabian Ardaya